WHERE WE ARE
Palazzo dei Tolomei - refined b&b in the centre of Lecce.
The refurbishment works
Palazzo dei Tolomei is now a refined b&b and guesthouse in the centre of Lecce, located inside the 19th-century building in Pietra Leccese.
Renovation work on the exterior and interior of the building gives new light to the white stone typical of the area, with which the great masters of Salento history created the city’s most beautiful architectural and artistic works; one example among many is the magnificent Basilica of Santa Croce with its statues, putti and floral compositions carved by hand in the stone.
The interiors have been redesigned to respect the architectural tradition of the Salento’s noble residences of the time, enhancing their most characteristic features – the typical star vaults, Lecce stone and columns – by integrating furnishings, modern amenities  and comforts.
The stylistic choice of furnishings is deliberately minimalist, with elements of
modernariato design and vintage objects repeated in the entrance hall, in the rooms and suites of the building, giving both continuity and elegant simplicity to all the rooms.
Where to find us
Palazzo dei Tolomei is located in a charming little alley in the historic centre, Corte dei Tolomei, 100 metri away from the walls of the Castello Carlo V and Piazza Santo Oronzo, home of the majestic Roman Amphitheatre and of the mosaic representing the She-wolf under the Leccio, the city’s iconic symbol.
The building is immediately visible at the Corte dei Tolomei entrance and has a balcony overlooking the walls of the Charles V Castle, and a large attic where guests can enjoy the splendid view of the historic centre while indulging in our breakfast of typical products and homemade pastries.
How to reach us
To reach our property in the centre of Lecce you have several options of public transport lines. Alternatively, we can provide a shuttle service.
By public transport:
Those arriving by plane can get the shuttle bus that leaves from the square in front of the airport, towards the ‘City Terminal’ at the northern entrance to the city. From here proceed with the M1 line, direction “Stazione FS” and get off at the “Castello” bus stop.
Those arriving by train, opposite the station square, can take line R8, direction “Ospedale”, get off at the las stop and change to line R11, towards “Castello”.
Activities and services in the surroundings
Palazzo dei Tolomei is strategically located, a two-minute walk from Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the city square, where you can immediately admire the splendid Roman amphitheatre, the Palazzo del Seggio, known as the ‘Sedile’, and the obelisk holding the statue of Saint Oronzo, the city’s beloved patron saint.
There is plenty of commercial activities and services for tourists and citizens, including:
- bars, cafés, ice cream shops, pastry shops
- food and wine shops and typical products
- street food and restaurants
- food shops of various kinds
- infopoints, tobacconists and banks.
Proceeding towards the Charles V Castle you will find in the immediate vicinity the”Castello’ bus stop Just behind the castle are the Italian Post Office facilities.
Curiosities, superstitions and legends linked to the city.
Don’t step on the She-wolf of Lecce if…
There is a funny superstition known to all the city’s inhabitants about the mosaic of the She-wolf, represented strolling calmly and mockingly under a flourishing holm-oak. It says that all people of school age must not step on it or they will attract the wrath of the She-wolf, which will prevent them from passing their exams.
The ghosts of Charles V Castle
All ghost stories feature a castle and the Carlo V in Lecce is no exception. Three souls prowl the castle walls at night:
Many swear they have heard the cry of a child from the castle’s dungeons, probably a son of a soldier fell into a well and was carried away by the underground river Idume.
Maria d’Enghien, Queen of Naples, Princess of Taranto and Countess of Lecce, whose soul buried in the ancient convent of Santa Croce cannot rest and returns to her beloved castle.
Giangiacomo dell’Acaia, the engineer who designed the dungeons, died there and his soul is still trapped in the prison cell he built.
Other Articles
Lecce, what to see on holiday
How to have fun on holiday in Lecce
Breakfast on the terrace
Where to eat on holiday in Lecce
Our Rooms
Double Room
Queen Superior Suite
